Plate Motion Final

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates move toward each other, which can cause one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to subduction.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, ash, and gases are expelled.